In Memory of Kodiak, a friend's best dog

As he neared the ripe old age of 14, Kodiak had begun to show mild signs of breathing difficulties, so he was taken to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital. An x-ray revealed advanced lung cancer and a blood test showed the cancer was spreading through his body. He came home, but his condition worsened and a return trip to the hospital was necessary. It was a terrible shock because it came on so suddenly, but a blessing because he did not have to suffer. Our thoughts are with his lonely and confused young friend Yogi and the family and friends that loved him.

Dear Denise:

As you may have heard, Gus' beloved Kodiak passed away late last night at the U of M Vet Hospital.

Thankfully he rested off to sleep peacefully gazing at Gus, while petted, hugged and kissed by both of us.

The King of Dogs is now reunited with his dear friend and sister Flicka, along with Gus' other Golden family members Bear, Grizzly, and Panda.

As painful as the decision was, as his condition worsened throughout the day and night, when Kody confirmed that he was ready, Gus and I recognized that he had lived his last good day and we knew that it was the right thing to let go before the pain overcame us all.

Thankfully, he left us in the majestic way he led his 14 years of healthy life.

Pure love. Pure joy. Pure golden boy.

Reward for Information about Animal Cruelty!

For the first time there is a reward for information about animal cruelty at Red Lake from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) which recently sent a team of Rural Area Veterinarians (RAVS) to conduct a weeklong clinic at Red Lake. Who can look at this puppy and not believe that something must be done to stop this cruel behavior?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The HSUS Offers Reward in Torture of Ode, a Redby, MN Puppy (Aug. 19, 2008)-- The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for burning the ears off of a puppy in Redby, Minn. in July.

The Case: Red Lake Rosie's Rescue animal shelter, at the Red Lake Indian Reservation, gives the following account: On July 8, a puppy was found wandering near a baseball field in Redby and was taken to the shelter by a local resident. The shelter's director took the puppy to a veterinarian, who treated him for burns on his ears. However, the burns were so severe that the puppy's ears flaked off. He also sustained burns to the top of his head and his whiskers. The puppy-who was named "Ode," for "heart" in the Ojibwa language of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians-is now recovering and has been taken into a foster program of Pet Haven, Inc. in the Minneapolis area.

Animal Cruelty: Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault. "Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people," said Jill Fritz, The HSUS' Minnesota state director. "Anyone who would torture such an innocent creature may well be capable of doing more harm to other animals and people."

The Investigators: The Red Lake Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Capt. Gina Benson at 218-679-3313, ext. 1005.

Resources: The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty.

Visit: humanesociety.org/cruelty .

Media Contact: Pepper Ballard, 240-751-0232, pballard@humanesociety.org

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization - backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs.

The Humane Society of the United States

2100 L Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20037

On the web at humanesociety.org
Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty